A Co Meath church re-opened on Sunday after a refurbishment project costing €900,000. Work on the 150-year old St.Finian's Church in Clonard, which was re-dedicated by Bishop Michael Smith, had been in progress since last August.
The refurbishment included the reconstruction of the roof, the installation of new stained glass windows, the replacement of furniture and laying of a new concrete floor.
A new sacristy was built and the church’s timber ceiling was repaired and redecorated.
Outside, wrought iron railings were repaired and the driveway into the building was resurfaced.
Kinnegad parish, where the church is located, had been planning the project for four years before it got under way and over that time a 'Friends of Saint Finian group raised the funding with concerts, car draws and other events.
A local construction firm, Kelly Brothers of Rosemount, were the main contractors for the project.
The church contains life-size statues of St Finian and St Etchen which were carved in Italy and in 1957, stained-glass windows depicting events in the life of St Finian were installed.
Having completed the Clonard project, Kinnegad parish is now to turn its attention towards renovation work at one of the other two churches.
Work on St. Agnes' Church in Coralstown is already planned and the parish hopes to commence it in the near future.
SIC: CIN